Clive McCarthy's 'Electric Paintings' by Justin Manley
A large canvas stretches across a wall, empty except for a few rows of text: a title, and a person’s name. Also, a list of specifications: timestamps, hardware models, software versions. As I watch, strokes of grey and brown paint appear one by one, slowly burying the text under an incipient image.
The canvas is a digital projection, and the brushstrokes are animated by a computer program. Before the text disappears under a layer of paint, I can make out the signature of the artist, San Francisco-based Clive McCarthy. The software will continue painting tirelessly for weeks, a new image every few minutes, but in these first moments, painterly brushstrokes fused with a programmer’s colophon offer a perfect metaphor for the artist’s hybrid career.
*Be in an Electric Painting* February First Friday:
Be Art. Make Art. Friday, February 7, 7-10pm
Free and open to all View on Facebook
Let’s get artsy! Experiment with photo transfers and collage as inspired by Stas Orlovski. Try your hand at the many painterly styles featured in Clive McCarthy’s work.
Plus, your photos can become art at the ICA! Before February 1 tag the ICA on Instagram or Facebook @SanJoseICA and use tag #ElectricPaintings and your photos will be used in one of McCarthy’s projections!
Sneak Peek at Portfolio Reviewers!
Were excited to announce the first few reviewers for the 2020 Artist Portfolio Reviews! Check back often to see who gets added to this stellar list.
Meg Shiffler; Director, San Francisco Arts Commission Galleries
Andrea Schwartz; Director, Andrea Schwartz Gallery
Mel Day; Artist and Lecturer, San José State University, Co-founder of the Wall of Song Project
Beverly Rayner; Artist, Art Educator, Director and Curator at Cabrillo Gallery
ICA's Annual Artist Portfolio Reviews
"This was my second time participating in the Portfolio Reviews program at the ICA, and its proved valuable both times. I'll be back again next year as my work evolves and my portfolio grows."
- Portfolio Review Alum
*Scholarships Applications Due January 21st* Apply to this short application for a full-funding scholarship!
Registration begins on Wednesday, February 12
Click on the names of reviewers to read their biographies. Each artist participant will have the opportunity to meet with two reviewers for twenty minutes each. We ask that you familiarize yourself with the list of reviewers and be prepared to share your top four preferences when you call.
Plan ahead and become a member. All participants must be current ICA members at the $40 Individual Level or above.
Mark your calendar to call in on Wednesday, February 12th, starting at 10:00 am. Call the Curatorial Department at 408-283-8155 to speak with a staff member and register. Keep in mind that registration will be confirmed on a first-come, first-serve basis until all time slots are filled.
Learn more about this program on our website, here.
San Jose Institute of Contemporary Art
560 South First Street, San Jose, CA 95113
Hours: Tue-Fri, 10am-5pm, Sat, 12pm-5pm
(408) 283-8155
ABOUT THE ICA Founded in 1980, the ICA has long been committed to presenting solo and group exhibitions of visually compelling and conceptually challenging contemporary art in all media, as well as a variety of public programs that include exhibition tours, panel discussions, artist presentations, workshops, demos as well as impromptu conversations in the gallery. Our distinctive Sandbox Projects provide visitors with the once-in-a-lifetime chance to experience a unique art environment, while giving emerging and mid-career artists the opportunity to experiment, take risks and develop new work. The gallery is also activated by opening receptions, First Friday gallery walks, ICA Live! performances, and installations in the front windows. Admission is always free!
TALKING ART is a series of lectures, panel discussions and engaging public talks aimed at promoting dialogue and conversation about art. In this Public Program series we engages artists, students, collectors, and community members through professional development programs and interdisciplinary artist conversations.
Members and Students are FREE, general admission is $10 for Talking Art.
ICA LIVE seeks to explore the role of the performance art medium in contemporary society. Held every First Friday of the month as part of South of First Area (SoFA) district’s South First Friday, it is a special one-night experience that includes thought provoking experimental art performances and opportunities to engage with contemporary artists. Performances have taken place within the galleries, in the lounge, at the public park (parque de los pobladores), which is located across the street from the ICA. Performances are free and open to the public. During First Fridays the ICA is open from 10AM-10PM.
